Each day a different image or photograph is featured, with an
accompanying caption, which deals with various topics in Earth Science.

Moon Over St. Petersburg

This striking view of the almost full Moon was captured over St. Petersburg, Russia on June 21, 2005. At this time of year, and at this latitude (60 degrees north), the Sun rises around 04:15 and doesn't set until nearly 23:30. After setting, it only descends a short distance below the horizon (less than 20 degrees). With the abundance of daylight, plus the extended twilight, late June is referred to as "Whitenights" in St. Petersburg. The light of the gibbous Moon, shown here looking south over the Neva River and reclining atop the Belt of Venus, further enhanced the "Whitenights" effect. Since the Sun barely dips below the horizon near the summer solstice, the full Moon is content to hug the opposite horizon -- rising in the south and setting in the west-southwest.